Overview:
Leonotis leonurus, also known as Lion's Tail or Wild Dagga, is a species of plant in the Leonotis genus and the Lamiaceae (mint) family native to southern Africa. It has been reported that the dried flowers, when smoked, have an effect similar to cannabis.
Traditionally its medicinal uses were for the treatment of cough, cold, influenza, chest infections, diabetes, hypertension, eczema, epilepsy, delayed menstruation, intestinal worms, constipation, spider bites and scorpion stings, and as an antidote for snakebite. Externally, it was also used for the relief of hemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashes, and boils.
Major Chemical Constituents (from Leonotis Herba):
1. Diterpenoid labdane lactones: premarrubiin 0.00933-0.01567%, marrubiin (possibly an artifact derived from premarrubiin during extraction)
2. Tannins, quinones, saponins, alkaloids, and triterpene steroids were detected in preliminary laboratory tests.
